Boron Trifluoride Toxicity - An Overview

Introduction

Boron trifluoride is used in numerous industries and is harmful to humans. Therefore, the determination of permissible amounts of hazards in the workplace is one of the strategies used in occupational health to prevent health risks for employees. To avoid exposure and the ensuing symptoms, health education about the health risks of substances like boron trifluoride is essential. This article discusses the toxic effects of boron trifluoride.

What Is Boron Trifluoride?

Boron trifluoride (BF3) has a strong flavor and is colorless, toxic, and non-flammable. It is a chemical substance with the molecular formula BF3 and contains one boron element and three fluorine atoms. It is a typical Lewis acid and is frequently used in organic chemistry as a reagent, especially in the creation of polymers and petrochemicals. It is also used as a reagent in laboratory processes, the production of insecticides, and the making of herbicides. When combined with water, powerful bases, and some metals, BF3 can react rapidly. It is typically kept and carried as a compressed gas in canisters. Since boron trifluoride fumes weigh more than the air, exposing them to heat or fire may cause an explosive reaction. It has been discovered that it is harmful to humans.

What Is Boron Trifluoride Used For?

The applications of boron trifluoride are:

1. It catalyzes polymerization processes.

2. It is a fire-extinguishing agent for magnesium.

3. It is an ingredient in welding fluxes and fiber optics.

4. It is used in producing phenolic and epoxy resins as a Lewis acid catalyst for the alkylation of aromatic molecules.

5. It is used in nuclear technology for the isolation of boron isotopes, as a fill gas for neutron detectors, in the manufacture of neutron-absorbing compounds, and in ionization chambers for the detection of weak neutrons.

6. It is employed as a fumigant.

7. It is used in gas soldering and the manufacturing of boron-containing substances like diborane.

8. It is used in the electronics industry to improve the surface conductivity of perylene and to modify dividers for high-temperature cells to create high-breakdown voltage varistors.

9. It is used as an antioxidant and fire retardant in casting and heat-treating procedures in the magnesium industry.

What Are the Health Effects of Boron Trifluoride on Humans?

Boron trifluoride exposure causes severe health effects in humans, such as burns in the eyes and skin, as it produces hydrofluoric acid when it comes to contact with moisture. It also affects nasal tissues and lungs. Humans are reported to be fatally affected by exposure to 50 percent for 30 to 60 minutes.

1. Acute Exposure: Acute exposure to boron trifluoride may result in:

• Severe burning or irritation of the eyes, eyelashes, and skin.

• Congested and inflamed lungs.

Inhalation can result in:

• Severe salivation.

• Nausea.

• Gastritis, gastroenteritis, and abdominal pain.

• Retching and prolonged vomiting with hematemesis, watery or tarry diarrhea, and dehydration.

• Sweating.

• Pallor.

• Cyanosis (lips, nails, and skin turning blue due to lack of oxygen).

• Drowsiness.

• Hyporeflexia (decreased skeletal muscle reflex) or convulsions.

• Dilated pupils, coma, and death.

• Frostbite (if there is skin contact).

• Heart failure.

• Respiratory failure.

• Death.

In survivors, pyloric stenosis (thickening of the opening between the stomach and small intestine), liver cirrhosis, and kidney injury may manifest.

2. Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure to boron trifluoride may result in:

• Nasal bleeding.

• Dry and scaly skin.

• Joint discomfort.

• Osteosclerosis.

• Increased bone density and brittleness.

• Mottled dental enamel.

• Loss of weight.

• Anemia.

• Fatigue.

• Diminished lung function.

What Are the Emergency Procedures to Do When Exposed to Boron Trifluoride?

Start the following emergency steps right away, continuing them as necessary while traveling to the emergency medical center. In case of regurgitation, and if the patient is comatose, lie them on their sides to prevent choking.

1. Rescue: Remove the affected person from further exposure to boron trifluoride and carry out the necessary emergency measures. In the industry, every employee should be knowledgeable of the position of emergency supplies and how to use them.

2. Eye Exposure: Seek urgent medical care if the tissue is frozen. Additionally, eyesight and tissue damage could happen. For at least 15 minutes, immediately but carefully flush the eyes with water, periodically raising the upper and lower eyelids.

3. Skin Exposure: There is a chance of getting serious burns and skin deterioration. Wash the skin immediately and delicately for at least 15 minutes. Wash it with soap and water; if not, only use water. Immediately seek medical care if gangrene develops.

4. Inhalation Exposure: Move the affected person to fresh air right away. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person is not breathing and is unconscious. Clean any chemical residue from the person’s lips and nose.

What Are the Measures to Prevent the Toxic Health Effects of Boron Trifluoride Exposure?

1. Periodic Medical Examination: Throughout the work time, physical exams and occupational health interviews should be conducted frequently. If a person experiences signs linked to boron trifluoride exposure, further testing may be required. The purpose of the interviews, examinations, and medical screening tests are to determine whether boron trifluoride has any harmful effects on the skin, kidneys, or respiratory system. The worker's current health status should be compared to their initial or anticipated values for an appropriate reference group. Given that work exposure to boron trifluoride may result in diseases with protracted latent periods, medical surveillance may be required after employment has ended. A comparison of any changes in the worker's health condition with those anticipated for a suitable reference group is therefore necessary.

2. Biological Monitoring: It entails taking a sample of bodily fluids or tissues and examining them to determine how much exposure to a toxic drug or metabolite has occurred. A general sign of exposure to a fluoride substance is urinary fluoride. In addition, bony fluorosis (accumulation of fluoride in the bone) may be prevented by keeping creatinine levels below 2 and 7 mg/g, respectively.

Conclusion

Hazardous substance incidents are not uncommon. To manage such crises, hospitals and emergency medical services are necessary to create emergency response plans and take part in community planning. Planning activities, creating protocols, instructing staff on correct personal protective equipment usage, and decontamination procedures are all part of being ready for these situations. Since boron trifluoride is a severe irritant and produces several harmful effects, it is important to give health education programs for workers handling or may be exposed to boron trifluoride and provide periodic medical examinations. And if exposed, it is advised to get medical attention immediately.